We keep saying that overlapping channels are not good – they create unnecessary interference, contention, or both (depending on the distance between the APs). It is a general recommendation to stick to non-overlapping channels and actively hunt and eradicate anyone who overlaps. However, are overlapping channels always bad?

A typical example of a channel that overlaps with every other!

In this 3-part series I’ll be talking about some channel tuning techniques that may allow cramming more channels in the RF plan, have them overlap – and still get overall better network performance. A valuable LinkedIn member Eduard Garcia-Villegas (who is doing some interesting research in WLANs) had recently provided me with some interesting papers that offer theoretical foundations and practical proof behind this. What does it have to do with F1? Let’s find out!